Folder



\ Jan. 28, 1930. E. M. BUCKLAND FOLDER Filed June 29. 1928 Patented Jan. 28, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT 4 OFFICE EARL M. BUGKLAND, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AsSIGNoIt To ROCKWELL-BARNES oom- IPANY, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, CORPORATION or ILLINOIS DER Application filed June 29,

This invention which relates to a folder in which papers may be filed is concerned particularly with certain means incorporated into the folder for fastening therein one or more papers as occasion may require.

It is common practice to arrange a folder of the kind in question vertically with others in a cabinet, and to provide on each folder a protruding edge, or tab, or other indicating means, by which the folder may be identified and distinguished from. others that are contained in the same cabinet. Within each folder may be filed away various papers which preferably are arranged therein according to some definite plan or system. By the means forming the present invention such papers are locked in place in such a manner that they may not become accidentally disarranged or lost. This end is achieved by a fastening device which is inexpensive to produce, simple to operate, and occupative of a minimum space so as to avoid increase in the thickness of the folder.

A suggestive embodiment of my invention 5 is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in the manner following;

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the folder opened out to exhibit the interior of its two covers;

Fig.2 is a similar view of the folder covers closed as when in use;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail in section taken on line 3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 which is a similar view shows a quantity of papers held in place within the folder; and

Fig. 5 is a view in perspective of the folder opened up to exhibit a number of papers which are secured. in place therein.

The present folder is formed, by preference, of a sheet having one or more bend lines a, b, and c in its center region to provide a pair of covers A and B adapted to be closed upon one another, as shown in Fig. 2. The placing of the fold lines may be such that one of these covers protrudes beyond 'the other to afford an exposed margin 6 on which identifying matter may be written or printed. A folder answering generally to so this description is of conventional type at 1928. Serial No. 289,242,"

the present time and no claim thereto, assuch, is hereinmade.

My invention is directed more particularly to a fastening means which is inseparably incorporated into the folder. One such means alone may be employed, or, as shown in the drawing, two such means may be used, one associated with each of the two covers. Since these fastening means are alike in each instance, and their manner of operation is the same, a. description of but one will suflice.

As shown, a thin blade of non-resilient pliable metal having its ends 7 pointed, by preference, is inserted through a pair of slits 8 in one cover of the folder so as to present its two ends interiorly thereof. The portion 9 of the blade extending between the two slits is disposed exteriorly ofthe cover. Such a blade is initially straight, and because of its thin character will not add appreciably to the thickness of the folder; it is liable,

however, to shift endwise so as to separate from the cover. A blade so formed and disposed must present exteriorly of the cover, edges with which other objects may catch thereby interfering with proper handling or filing. To meet these contingencies, I secure upon theouterface of the cover a strip 10, preferablyof fabric which is light yet strong and capable of being adhered to the cover so as to remain firmly attached thereto. This strip extends beyond the two slits 8 so as to. cover the entire exposed intermediate portion 9 of the blade. The strip may also be adhered to the blade so as to oppose its, movementendwise through the slits 8. The strip which overlies the back of the blade serves to round off the edges thereof which otherwise would be presented sharply for interference with adjacent objects.

A folder which is equipped with fastening means of the kind described is adapted to receive therein papers which may be impaled upon the ends of the blade. Forthis purpose the blades are first bent laterally into parallelism, as suggested by the dotted lines in Fig. 3. A number of such papers, designated as C, is shown impaled upon the blade ends in Fig. 4. The extremities ofthe blades may thereafter be turned through degrees as shown therein, to secure the papers against removal. Since the material forming the blade is of a character which may be bent readily by the fingers, the extremities of the 5 blade may be repeatedly straightened up, as

required, for the removal or addition of papers.

The position of the blade which forms the present fastening means is preferably relatively close to one edge of the cover. As shown in Fig. 1, the blade may be arranged adjacent one end of the cover A or adjacent the folded edge of the cover B, or both. This arrangement is merely suggestive of several which may be utilized to advantage. The

fastening means herein disclosed is exceedingly simple to produce and operate. It has the advantage of being held in place by a strip applied exteriorly to the folder which serves additionally to round off the edges of the blade which otherwise would be exposed to interfere with adjacent objects.

I claim: A folder comprising a flexible sheet bent upon itself to provide two covers adapted to receive between them a plurality of pages, one of said covers being formed with a pair of spaced parallel slits, a straight pliable blade inserted through both slits in a manner to normally present its two ends adjacent the inner face of the folder, the blade portion intermediate its ends lying adjacent the outer face of the folder, and a strip of flexible material overlying the intermediate portion of the blade and extending beyond the slits and blade edges and secured to the folder adjacent the edges of the blade and elsewhere, whereby to cover and laterally retain the intermediate portion of the blade substantially flush with the outer face of the folder.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of June, 1928.

EARL M. BUCKLAND. 

